Umbilical reach, for one. SSRMS reach (can't pull shuttle payloads out of the bay because it's further away) for another.

Don't Node3 have a PDGF?

Node 3 doesn't have a PDGF on it's actual shell, but it's Zenith CBM is blocked off and a PDGF is located there.

OK, to clarify, it's not the first part of the operation that is affected, it's the last part.

With the shuttle docked to PMA-2 on Node 2, the SRMS can't pull payloads out of the bay due to Kibo blocking the elbow. So for station payloads destined for the truss (such as the ELCs), a double-handoff is required: SSRMS on Lab PGDF extracts payload from bay, hands off to SRMS, then the SSRMS translates over to the MBS, the MBS translates to the appropriate worksite, then the SRMS hands the payload off to the SSRMS for installation.

If Node 3 were installed to Node 2 forward, the double handoff would not be required since the SRMS now has adequate clearance from Kibo. The SRMS could extract the payload from the bay and the SSRMS could go directly to the MBS. But the two arms would then be too far apart for the handoff, especially if the payload were destined for the starboard truss.

Umbilical reach, for one. SSRMS reach (can't pull shuttle payloads out of the bay because it's further away) for another.

Don't Node3 have a PDGF?

Node 3 doesn't have a PDGF on it's actual shell, but it's Zenith CBM is blocked off and a PDGF is located there.

OK, to clarify, it's not the first part of the operation that is affected, it's the last part.

With the shuttle docked to PMA-2 on Node 2, the SRMS can't pull payloads out of the bay due to Kibo blocking the elbow. So for station payloads destined for the truss (such as the ELCs), a double-handoff is required: SSRMS on Lab PGDF extracts payload from bay, hands off to SRMS, then the SSRMS translates over to the MBS, the MBS translates to the appropriate worksite, then the SRMS hands the payload off to the SSRMS for installation.

If Node 3 were installed to Node 2 forward, the double handoff would not be required since the SRMS now has adequate clearance from Kibo. The SRMS could extract the payload from the bay and the SSRMS could go directly to the MBS. But the two arms would then be too far apart for the handoff, especially if the payload were destined for the starboard truss.

True - but why? We can do the double handoff just fine, there are only a few more shuttle flights left and it would be very hard to have put Node 3 there. Not worth it.

Umbilical reach, for one. SSRMS reach (can't pull shuttle payloads out of the bay because it's further away) for another.

Don't Node3 have a PDGF?

Node 3 doesn't have a PDGF on it's actual shell, but it's Zenith CBM is blocked off and a PDGF is located there.

OK, to clarify, it's not the first part of the operation that is affected, it's the last part.

With the shuttle docked to PMA-2 on Node 2, the SRMS can't pull payloads out of the bay due to Kibo blocking the elbow. So for station payloads destined for the truss (such as the ELCs), a double-handoff is required: SSRMS on Lab PGDF extracts payload from bay, hands off to SRMS, then the SSRMS translates over to the MBS, the MBS translates to the appropriate worksite, then the SRMS hands the payload off to the SSRMS for installation.

If Node 3 were installed to Node 2 forward, the double handoff would not be required since the SRMS now has adequate clearance from Kibo. The SRMS could extract the payload from the bay and the SSRMS could go directly to the MBS. But the two arms would then be too far apart for the handoff, especially if the payload were destined for the starboard truss.

True - but why? We can do the double handoff just fine, there are only a few more shuttle flights left and it would be very hard to have put Node 3 there. Not worth it.

I'm not sure you read my post carefully enough, in particular the last sentence that starts with "But...". That's a key sentence because it essentially renders the previous sentences in the paragraph moot. (I will admit I could have structured that paragraph better). I *agree* it's not worth it and I'm arguing in favor of *leaving* Node 3 where it is, and in particular, that putting Node 3 on Node 2 forward would have created a bunch of unnecessary headaches.

I know this is a total shot in the dark but if anyone is going to know it would be here:

I am looking for a engineering model of the window mold lines for the Cupola. I understand this information tends to be guarded but I am not looking for the whole model just the mold line of the 7 windows as a 3D model (any format). For what I am doing it will need to be accurate, very accurate.

Anyone that knows where I might be able to obtain this or who to ask it will be greatly appreciated.